Many, many times over the years our clinic has heard, "I didn't know there was a doctor for eyes!" Specialization in veterinary medicine began in the sixties, following in the path of human medicine. Becoming a veterinary ophthalmologist takes more than just an interest in eyes. After obtaining a veterinary degree, additional schooling of two to three years is required, usually following an internship. After qualifying through extensive case reports and publications, written and oral testing must be successfully completed. Currently, of the more than 400 active Diplomates in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, and Switzerland, about forty percent are at universities and about sixty percent are in private practice.

Born and educated in Ohio, Dr. Ketring graduated from Ohio State University in 1972. He pursued veterinary ophthalmology there as well and became a Diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology in 1977. That same year, he began his specialty practice in Cincinnati, Ohio.

His curriculum vitae lists memberships in the Cincinnati, Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, and American Veterinary Medical Associations as well as the American Society of Veterinary Ophthalmology, and the Ophthalmic Photographers Society.

A childhood interest in photography blended well with his vocation. The combination of the two has led to many posters, a book, several atlases and the formation of extensive lectures. Lecturing enables him to fulfill two more of his interests: public speaking and traveling.

Dr. Ketring enjoys many pursuits outside of veterinary ophthalmology. He is an avid, if not always happy, fan of the Cincinnati Reds and Bengals. Top of the list, however is The Ohio State University football team. Football weekends in Columbus and the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer every February are an enjoyable part of his life. He hopes fishing will play a major role in his retirement plans. Working outdoors, particularly in his hosta beds, and going to auctions round out his free time.

He and his wife, Marsha, live in Michigan for most of the year but soak up the sun during the winters in Florida. Their newest dog, Troller, a Portugese Water Dog pictured above, predictably loves the water and, unexpectedly, anything made of cellulose. Gilli, Dr. Ketring's giant schnauzer, died in February 2005 and is still very much missed.

Who can believe that there is no soul behind those luminous eyes? --Theophile Gautier, French writer and critic